RICHMOND, Va. (JMU Athletics) – Three separate Dukes registered hat tricks as James Madison lacrosse took down No. 24 Richmond, 14-9, at Robins Stadium on Tuesday evening.
Brianna Mennella, Olivia Matthews, and Jordan Peterson each contributed three goals for JMU (9-6, 3-1 American). Payton Root contributed four points with two goals and two assists. Olivia Rongo led the defensive effort, causing five turnovers and grabbing a pair of ground balls.
Sophomore Abigail Beattie got the start and spent all 60 minutes in the cage, making four saves.
Alexis Morton and Juliana Stanley led Richmond, each contributing two goals and two assists. Abby Francioli played 60 minutes in goal, making eight saves.
How it Happened
First Quarter – James Madison 4, Richmond 2
• After the Spiders took a 1-0 lead at the 13:20 mark, three straight goals from JMU gave the Dukes a 3-1 lead with just under nine minutes to play.
• Both teams traded goals within the final two minutes of the quarter, allowing the Dukes to maintain their lead at the end of the first.
Second Quarter – James Madison 8, Richmond 4
• JMU began the period hot, scoring twice in the first two minutes to grow its lead to four.
• Back-to-back goals from Richmond cut its deficit to two, but a pair of goals allowed the Dukes to hold a four-goal lead at half.
Third Quarter – James Madison 11, Richmond 7
• James Madison opened the half, scoring two goals to Richmond’s one, grabbing a 10-5 lead at the 10:01 mark.
• After the Spiders held JMU scoreless for nearly 10 minutes and drew as close as three, a score from Matthews with under a minute to play gave the Dukes a four-goal advantage.
Fourth Quarter – James Madison 14, Richmond 9
• The Dukes outscored Richmond 3-2 in the final frame, growing their advantage to five and securing their third-ranked victory of the year.
Game Notes
• Peterson and Matthews each have five hat tricks this season.
• Mennella has registered a hat trick in three straight games.
• Rongo has caused five or more turnovers in five games this season.
• Jolie Schiavo’s two caused turnovers are a career high.
• Emily Simkin’s three assists tie her career high.
Up Next
The Dukes will head back to Sentara Park for their final home game of the season, hosting American Conference foe Vanderbilt on senior day on Saturday, April 18. First draw is scheduled for noon.
— JMU Athletics —
